Good morning, Nashua.

Local nonprofits are collecting new, unwrapped toys for nearly 30,000 children statewide, as donors can shop + donate via the website.

A family hosted holiday lights display in Bedford features over 100,000 lights + a blessing box at Orchard Christian Church in Londonderry adds to the festive season.

Bedford High School sophomore Cameron Philbrick has volunteered more than 45 hours with National Charity League and was honored by Volunteer New Hampshire today for her service — a recognition of her efforts in delivering groceries, teaching dance classes, and supporting local food pantries.

Operation Santa Claus, organized by the State Employees' Association, helps nearly 3,000 New Hampshire children receive Christmas gifts.

The program still seeks hundreds of sponsors to donate $75 each to support its 66-year effort across the state.

Dawn Longval, founder and president of Isaiah 61 Cafe (a homeless outreach), is this week’s Hero Among Us for her work providing meals, showers, and laundry services to locals.

Her ministry, shared through music, has helped many feel the community’s care.

Merrimack County Savings Bank is hosting its annual Mitten Tree Drive in Manchester until the end of the year, collecting new mittens, hats, and scarves at its nine branches; for each item donated, $2 will go to support local food pantries (last year raised $6,500).

Tonight residents can see dazzling indoor holiday displays plus a special Chronicle Cooks Cookie Edition with the Sexton and Cronin families at The Rustic Treasure Shed in Milford.

The event offers festive scenes to brighten winter evenings.

Bound Together, a used bookstore in downtown Nashua held a soft launch last month.

Owner Michelle Audet built the shop’s bookshelves using a football field’s worth of wood and will host community events (an open mic and jewelry event) in mid-December while planning to serve beer and wine.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services reactivated a dry well assistance program to help low-income residents replace wells made unreliable by this year's drought that left over 200 wells dry.

The program has $1.8 million funding & applications will open in the new year.

State figures show homelessness dropped 8% in 2024 and homeless veterans also declined, making New Hampshire the state with the nation's third-biggest reduction.

State revenues in November delivered the first surplus since July, aided by an accounting change that added $17.3 million to the General Fund for fiscal year SFY-2026, though analysts warn the boost may be temporary.

On Monday, Kidneys for Kindness awarded Erin an $8,000 check to support her recovery after she donated a kidney to her sister, Jessica McNeill, whose kidney function had dropped to about 8% because of disease.

The nonprofit marked the check as the largest it has ever awarded.

Call 1-877-211-6284 or visit the NH Navigator website for free help with health insurance options during open enrollment until Jan.

15, with coverage starting Jan. 1 if enrolled by Dec. 15. Experts warn tax credits may expire unless extended+ act now.

Rep. Chris Pappas toured Opportunity Networks in Amherst on Monday and warned that upcoming Medicaid cuts could hinder support for people with disabilities — the changes, starting in 2026, will require states to reassess eligibility every six months and push nonprofits to adapt their services.

Ugly Sweater 5K

9 AM – 3 PM — Backyard Brewery and Kitchen — 21+ event — Celebrate the holidays with a fun run supporting local animal rescues while sporting your ugliest sweater.

Holly Jolly Craft Fair

9 AM – 3 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Nashua — Free admission — Shop unique American-made holiday gifts from over 75 artisans.

Holiday & Pet Resin Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Spyglass Brewing Company — All supplies included — Create personalized resin art while enjoying a festive atmosphere.